Police in Scotland and Spain have carried out a series of simultaneous pre-dawn raids, following a two-year investigation into serious organised crime.
Co-ordinated in conjunction with the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), the operation targeted alleged members of Scotland's dominant crime group, the Lyons, and resulted in 13 arrests.
Detectives say they have been probing high-level involvement in organised crime, including drugs and money laundering.
They stressed the inquiry began before last year's gangland feud in central Scotland and said it had no connection with the murders of two senior members of the Lyons group on the Costa del Sol last May.
At 03:00 in Motherwell police station, BBC Scotland News watched the start of a briefing with officers preparing to take part in the raids.
For security reasons, we were asked not to film their faces, or that of the detective who read a short statement before we had to leave the room.
He told them: "The intention today is to trace and arrest a significant nominal (suspect) who's wanted on a petition arrest warrant, regarding their involvement in serious and organised crime, particularly money laundering, drugs supply and directing serious and organised crime.
"This is part of a wave of warrants being executed today, to arrest nominals who cause misery in our communities, due to their illicit activities."
The briefing continued behind closed doors.
Similar meetings would have been taking place in Spain, as the Guardia Civil targeted properties in the Malaga area and Barcelona.
A convoy of police vans then drove through the darkened Lanarkshire streets before turning into a smart private housing estate.
At 04:30, public order officers wearing balaclavas and helmets approached a detached house and forced entry.
Instead of battering their way in, they used specialist equipment to prise the front door open.
As the wintry rain fell, two officers from the Guardia Civil watched their Scottish colleagues file inside.
Scottish officers were performing the same role in warmer weather in Spain.
A short time later, a middle-aged man was led out of the house and into custody.
Most of the neighbouring houses, despite the noise and early hour, remained in darkness.
A teenager emerged from one and challenged the BBC's presence, asking: "Whatever happened to innocent until proved guilty?"
This is likely to be the start of a long legal road, with the first court appearances expected next week.
Early morning raids are not uncommon but it was clear that this was the culmination of a lengthy, complex and international investigation.
In total, eight arrests were made at houses in Bellshill, Glasgow, Gartcosh, Whitburn, Caldercruix, Cumbernauld and Coatbridge, while five arrests were made in Spain.
Det Ch Insp George Calder told BBC Scotland News the investigation was probing alleged high-level involvement in organised crime, drugs and money laundering.
He added: "This day of action has been the result of over two years of investigative work that's been carried out diligently carried out by officers not only here, but by other agencies, including the National Crime Agency and the Guardia Civil.
"We have got a number of officers over in Spain, assisting the Spanish authorities with their inquiries.
"We're sharing intelligence, information and resources."
The detective said the inquiry pre-dated the feud which broke out in central Scotland last March and was not linked to the murders of Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr, who were shot dead at a bar in Fuengirola.
A man from Liverpool, Michael Riley, has been accused of committing the double murder and gave his consent to be extradited to Spain last year.
Calder said: "What I would stress is that we are continually targeting those involved in serious organised crime both here and abroad.
"If you're hiding from us, if you feel that when you depart Scotland you're safe, our message is that our reach is far and wide.
"We will be working with our partners in the NCA, the Spanish authorities and other countries to ensure we bring you to justice."
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